Airport Executive Director Mark Hanna said a big reason for the increase is new Florida service offered through Allegiant Air. The leisure carrier reported nearly 47,000 passengers at the airport last year — a 71 percent increase over 2013.

American airlines also saw larger passenger numbers, with nearly 53,000 traveling between Springfield and Dallas-Fort Worth.

More than 70,000 travelers flew United Airlines between Springfield and Chicago. That's a 3 percent decrease. Airport officials say the drop was caused by harsh winter weather, schedule changes and a September fire at an Aurora air traffic control tower.